March 28 Reading Recipes!

This week we read the story "Jalapeno Bagels" in our reading book. A young boy was at his family's bakery looking for something to take to school for International Day. They were to take something from their culture. He thought of taking pan dulce, Mexican sweet bread. Then he thought of taking empanadas de calabaza - pumpkin turnovers. After making those, he helped his Mama` make chango bars. Next, he helped his Papa` make bagels and challah, Jewish braided bread. Finally, his mom, dad, and he make jalapeno bagels. In the end, Pablo decided to take jalapeno bagels with cream cheese and jam.

Last night, my granddaughter and I (mostly my granddaughter - top left photo) made the jalapeno bagels. We've never made bagels before so it was a fun experience! I wasn't sure if my kids would like them, but they ate them with cream cheese and jelly and really liked them!

This morning, Miss Nancy gave us all the ingredients to make Chango Bars. The pictures are from this morning's baking session. They turned out GREAT! BOTH OF THESE RECIPES ARE IN OUR READING BOOK IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TRYING THEM.

Next Tuesday is the end of our third quarter! How can that be?????

We continue to learn more in preparation for First Communion. Three of my kids should have taken a note home and the intention they'll do for the big day. There will be three from Mrs. Gierczic's class and three from mine for Intentions. We will each have two for Offertory also. By the way, did you know that is also the Feast of the Ascension?

Have a great weekend!

March 18 - Vacation time is almost here!

Today we made pretzels to remind us to pray. I gave the kids the recipe and story of the pretzel. They did a really good job! I wasn't sure how well it would work with younger kids, but once again they surprised me with what they can do. We have been doing more Religion during Lent with Art activities, daily readings, and First Communion preparation. They need to be working on their Gifts of Self projects to put leaves on their trees.

We continue our subtraction in Math. Tomorrow we will work with money. Next week we will finish the chapter and then take a Unit Test.

We will be reading the story "Jalapeno Bagels" next week. I asked the kids if we should make some, but they weren't keen on the idea of spicy bagels. :-) Speaking of reading - I am looking for more reading time at home. I only have two kids who show me their reading calendars every day. Some don't even turn them in. This is the only homework they have had each night - to read 15 minutes. For the last nine weeks of school, I plan to send one sheet of homework home Monday through Thursday so kids can get used to "having homework".


The kids have done well with their monthly quilt projects as well as their art projects. Several of these should have gone home tonight. I haven't taken my camera to school lately so I don't have more pictures to put on this blog. I had wished I'd brought the camera today for the pretzels, but I didn't think about it.

Once again, please check with your child and see if he/she needs new supplies. I am still loaning out crayons, scissors, and glue. Also, if anyone would like to send paper towels and napkins, that'd be great.

REMEMBER - VACATION IS THURSDAY THROUGH NEXT MONDAY, THE 24TH.

Have a great Easter!

March 11

I'm BACK :-)! Wow, we have had lots of sick people in school recently! I know I had the cough and fever, and the cough seems to hang on forever. I slept one entire day when I got sick. I thought I'd been doing well with keeping the germs away, but I guess with sick kids in school and sick granddaughters I was bound to catch it.

First Reconciliation went really well! My kids all felt happy about receiving this great sacrament. We've come a LONG way since I was their age and knelt in that little dark box! I think it's much nicer now - much less intimidating to sit face-to-face with Father.

We have now begun preparing for First Communion. We have several projects to work on in the next few weeks. Mrs. Gierczic and I met tonight to work on plans for first communion. We have come up with a seating arrangement with one pew per family. You will be receiving more information about the big day once we have everything worked out. Remember, the kids should be taking their Communion pamphlets home to share with you - particularly the parent section.
Please take time to read it.

No one has brought in items for The Brick during Lent. We ARE continuing the collecting until next week so they still have time to donate.

We are subtracting in Math. Some kids still need to practice their facts every night. They are understanding the process but need to know their facts. You can practice with them as you are preparing dinner, driving in the car, or any other time. I will be giving individual oral tests on facts through 18 very soon.

Have a good evening!